10 Easy Tomato Appetizers
Antonis Achilleos
Tomatoes find their way on to salads and sandwiches without much consideration, but they deserve more attention for tomato week. Here are 10 fabulous nibbles where tomatoes are the star.
1.) Serve sweet and spicy tomato jam with whole grain crackers (or slices of toasted whole grain baguette) along with shards of sharp cheddar cheese.
2.) Look for locally produced dried tomatoes at your local farmers market – it's a great way to hold on to that tomato goodness for months.
3.) Cherry tomatoes are the perfect size for skewers. Watermelon (also in season now) may seem like an unlikely match up, but the combo of flavors scream summer.
4.) Making bruschetta couldn't be easier. Combine fresh tomatoes with a bit of fresh garlic, basil, olive oil, salt and pepper. A splash of balsamic vinegar helps bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes. Garlic lovers should try Robin’s simple recipe.
5.) Bake thin slices of tomatoes low and slow. Serve with fresh mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.
6.) Pizza bites are always a crowd-pleaser. Make this recipe with fresh tomatoes and cut into small squares.
7.) Prepare Food Network Magazine's show-stopping salad with a variety of different tomatoes – what a way to start a meal!
8.) Serve up shooters of gazpacho and then munch on the "shot glass" – brilliant!
9.) Fantastically simple – fresh tomatoes stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese. Make the recipe even more special by making your own ricotta.
10.) A quick one-ingredient recipe – serve with crusty bread and hummus or blue cheese.
Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »